Somali and Ugandan Forces Deal Major Blow to al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle

 Somali and Ugandan Forces Deal Major Blow to al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle

The Somali National Army (SNA), in close cooperation with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), has achieved a significant military success against al-Shabaab in the Lower Shabelle region.

According to a statement from the Somali Ministry of Defense on Friday evening, the week-long joint operation resulted in the deaths of more than 100 al-Shabaab fighters, with several others captured. The forces also liberated the strategic agricultural town of Bariire, located 73 kilometres (45 miles) southwest of Mogadishu.

Following the town’s capture, security forces are now conducting clearance operations in Bariire and nearby areas. These efforts include seizing a substantial cache of weapons and military supplies to prevent future militant attacks.

This operation comes shortly after another offensive earlier in the week, which left at least 70 al-Shabaab fighters dead in the same region. However, the Somali forces also endured losses, with two soldiers killed and twelve wounded during Monday’s clashes.

For more than 16 years, al-Shabaab has waged an insurgency against the Somali government, frequently targeting security forces, government officials, and civilians. The recent operations in Lower Shabelle mark a strong step forward in the fight to restore peace, stability, and security across Somalia.

These victories highlight the determination of the Somali National Army and its international partners to confront and defeat extremist groups, ensuring a safer future for the nation.